Overview

Since technology is constantly changing, there is an increasing demand for technology workers who are problem solvers, communicators, and self-learners. The mathematics and computing major combines content from both the mathematics and computer science disciplines to create a new blended major that will encourage the concept of learning across disciplinary boundaries and give students practice working in teams to improve communications, as well as working individually to develop self-learning, persistence, and hands-on problem solving.

Graduates will be self-learners and problem solvers and communicators that are equipped with both mathematical and technical skills. Technology students who select this program will strengthen their ability to solve problems through additional math courses, and likewise math students that select this program will broaden their career options by bringing their problem-solving skills to bear on a secondary discipline.

Courses

MAT 2250 Calculus 3

This course is an investigation of limits, derivatives, and integrals of functions of more than one variable. We will study various applications of calculus, further topics of multivariable calculus, and ways in which calculus interplays with the other mathematical disciplines (such as linear algebra, probability theory, and complex analysis. Prerequisites: MAT 1250 or permission of the mathematics curriculum director. Three credit hours.

MAT 3130 Linear Algebra

This class is an introductory course in matrices and vector spaces. We will study the arithmetic of matrices and how to utilize matrices to solve systems of linear equations. Our study of matrices will give us a natural entry point into the theory of vector spaces. We will study the vector space axioms and their consequences, and finish the class by investigating the major theorems involving linear transformations and bases of vector spaces. Prerequisite: MAT 2250. Three credit hours

ISM 2700 HTML and Web Development

This course will focus on the creation, modification and implementation of Web pages using HTML and CSS. Coverage will also include some JavaScript and the Document Object Model. At successful completion of the course, the student will be able to design, build, and implement Web sites. Prerequisite: ISM 1100. Three hours.

ISM 3470 Business Information Systems

This course focuses on the management of information systems within an organizational setting. During the course, students will experience the systems development life cycle as they create an information system. The course utilizes both object oriented and traditional methods for creating business models. Prerequisite: ISM 2100, ISM 3400. Three hours.

ISM 4110 Client Side Programming

Students will synthesize topics from a number of previous courses while focusing on the creation and implementation of browser-based client side applications. The focus of the course will be manipulation of the document object model using a client-side scripting language. Prerequisites: ISM 210 , ISM 270 . Three hours.

Education History

About

Dr. Kristin Farwell joined the Grace College family in 2011. His passion is working with undergraduates on research topics and getting them prepared to give presentations at conferences. He has worked with many students on independent studies. Kris and his wife Megan have one daughter, Eden, and attend Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church.

Richard Koontz, B.S., M.B.A.

Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems

Education History

B.S. in Computer Science and Business Administration, Grace College; M.B.A., Stetson University

About

Prior to coming to Grace in 1998, Professor Rick Koontz spent nine years as Manager of Information Systems for Scholastic Book Fairs in Lake Mary, Florida. In addition to his teaching, he is academic director of the Management of Information Systems program and works in the institution's Office of Information Technology. He is currently completing a Ph.D. in Business Administration with a concentration in Management of Information Systems at North Central University.

Ryan Johnson, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Education History

B.S. in Mathematics, Hope College; Ph.D. in Mathematics, Iowa State University

About

Dr. Ryan Johnson joined the Grace faculty in 2014 as assistant professor of mathematics. He teaches a variety of courses including probability and statistics, abstract algebra, discrete math, and calculus. In his spare time he enjoys a variety of sports, especially running, volleyball, and basketball. Ryan and his wife, Heidi, recently moved to Winona Lake from Des Moines, Iowa and are expecting their first child in January 2015. They attend Christ Covenant Church in Winona Lake.

Careers

Scientific Computing

Computer scientists, also called computer and information scientists, often work as part of a research team with computer programmers, information technology professionals, and mechanical or electrical engineers. Computer scientists can work for government agencies and private software publishers, engineering firms or academic institutions. Their research often is used to design new computer technology. They typically investigate technological topics like artificial intelligence, robotics or virtual reality, and the results of their research can lead to the improved performance of existing computer systems and software as well as the development of new hardware or computing techniques and materials.

Game Programming

Game programmers specialize in software programming and engineering. They are responsible for creating codebase to be used in video games and similar software, including game development technology. There are numerous specialties within the game programming industry, and each specialist is considered a game programmer. Game programmers are distinguished from game designers, who are responsible for the development of new games. In many cases, individual programmers are assigned to supervise individual aspects of the software development process.

Market Research Analyst

A market research analyst is principally responsible for interpreting data, formulating reports and making recommendations based upon the research findings. To accomplish this task, they often work with the client (either internally or externally) to understand, define and document the overarching business object. The market research analyst also applies qualitative and quantitative techniques to interpret the data and produce substantiated recommendations and present their findings to the client.

Robotics Programmer

Robotics technicians assist manufacturing, mechanical, and electronics engineers in all phases of robotic design, development, production, testing, and operations. Robot maintenance technicians are employed either by the manufacturers and distributors of robots or by the robot users. These technicians are often responsible for the initial installation of the robot. They may then establish an in-house maintenance and repair program. These members of the robotics team work closely with engineers and other technical workers. Robotics technicians who are trained in computer programming sometimes perform low-level programming and reprogramming of the robots, often acting as the liaison between robotics engineers and the customers who purchase the machines. They may also install the robots at the manufacturing plant or other site where they will be used.

Software Developer

Software developers write the computer programs used for everything from the systems that allow computers to run properly to the latest software application for mobile devices. Software developers typically spend their days analyzing the needs of clients and then designing a system to meet those needs. They might also recommend software upgrades to existing systems. Software developers also are responsible for designing the step-by-step flowcharts for computing systems that show how program code must be written in order for it to work properly.

Computer Programmer

Programming, or coding, is the job of a computer programmer. This involves converting step-by-step instructions for a program into a language computers will understand. Programmers write computer programs based on the design developed by software engineers and systems analysts. Thorough testing must be done after coding to ensure that the program works properly. Other duties include changing coding for programs already written to update software and add features, repairing program functionality problems, and expanding a program's existing capabilities.

Applications Programmer

Application programmers - also known as software or computer programmers - design, create and test software programs for business applications, desktop operating systems, learning applications, middleware, mobile operating systems, networking, websites and video games. They must be familiar with computer hardware, computing systems theory, programming languages and software structure. As technology is ever-changing, application programmers must be adaptable and willing to learn new techniques.

Systems Programmer

A system programmer is an information technology professional who programs computer hardware and software systems for functionality. They are responsible for coordinating installation of computer operating system software and tests, maintaining and modifying software, entering code changes into computer system to correct errors, changing system software so that system performance will meet objectives, reviewing computer system capabilities to determine if requested changes to operating system are possible, and assisting users with system software problems.

Database Manager

Database managers are responsible for developing standards to guide the use and acquisition of software, protecting vulnerable information, modifying existing databases and database management systems, testing programs or databases, correcting database errors, and implementing security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure. They may also be responsible for approving, scheduling, planning, and supervising the installation and testing of new products and improvements to computer systems and answering user questions.